Acupuncture

Acupuncture utilizes very fine needles inserted into specific points in the body. The needles are used as a tool to help the body's natural and innate energy heal disharmony within. According to Chinese medicine theory our vital energy, called qi, moves throughout the body via pathways called channels. When our systems are harmonized this energy is able to flow freely. Trauma, illness, disease and other factors can disrupt this flow. Acupuncture works with the body's own energy and biological systems to restore balance and health. Electro-acupuncture uses the same acupuncture points as traditional acupuncture. The difference is the needles are attached, via small clips, to a machine that generates electric pulses to stimulate the point. Electro-acupuncture is very effective in reducing pain and inflammation, helping regain sensation when dealing with paresthesia and numbness, stroke rehabilitation and more.

Cupping Therapy

Fire Cupping is a traditional Chinese medicine modality that utilizes glass cups to create a negative pressure vacuum which promotes localized circulation in an areas where there is a blockage or deficiency. This vacuum effect causes blood, qi and lymph to flow to an area in need of healing.Cupping can help with pain and illness caused by imbalance and disharmony of energy and blood flow. It loosens tight muscles and fascia surrounding muscle fibers, increase the range of motion in an area and even can to release toxins from the body.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion, or moxa, therapy is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that helps to warm and tonify by the burning of an herb called mugwort. It can be applied for various ailments including pain, fatigue, poor digestion and much more.

Moxa comes in a number of forms including loose herbs, moxa rolls, stick on moxa cones and moxa to be used for warming an acupuncture needle. There are two forms of moxa, direct and indirect.

Loose moxa can be burnt as rice grain sized pieces or in a roll over specific points. It can also be moved along an area with a rolling warmer, or placed at the end of a needle. Moxa cones look a little like small cylindrical incense that stick onto points.

Gua Sha

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy performed by firmly rubbing a smooth-edged instrument across the skin. The tool can be made from buffalo horn, jade or just an average Chinese soup spoon. The word “gua” means “scraping” or “to scrape”, and “sha” describes the redness that may occur from the treatment. This reddening itself is a positive result of the therapy and can help with dispelling wind (thought to be a main culprit of common cold), reducing heat and inflammation and releasing pain from superficial and deep areas of the body.